John Brassil (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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274. To ask the Minister for Health his plans to amend legislation to ensure there is a provision under social and affordable housing to allow for the provision of respite housing should there be a need in the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41526/17]

Finian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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Legislation, and any proposals regarding the amendment of legislation in relation to the provision of social affordable housing for the provision of respite housing, is a matter for the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government.

However, I am informed that the issue of housing affordability is being examined by that Department in consultation with local authorities and the Housing Agency, in the context of Rebuilding Ireland. The expectation is that this work will be concluded in the coming weeks, and that Minister Murphy will be considering the potential of new initiatives in relation to affordable housing in that regard.

In relation to the provision of respite care in the context of disability services, there are a number of factors impacting on capacity. A significant number of respite beds have to be utilised where admission is unplanned leading to the number of available respite nights being down against planned activity. In addition, within the regulatory and policy context, the manner in which residential and respite services is provided has also changed, as Agencies comply with regulatory standards. Capacity has generally decreased with requirements for personal and appropriate space. In some situations beds are no longer available. For instance, they may be vacated by residents who go home at weekends or for holidays and can no longer be used for respite. Implementation of the national policy on congregated settings is also affecting available capacity.

In the Health Service Executive's (HSE's) Social Care Operational Plan for 2017, 6,320 people with a Disability are expected to avail of centre based respite services totalling 182,506 overnights. Based on existing levels of service and in addition to the centre-based respite service, it’s planned that between 2,000 and 2,500 persons will avail of respite services such as holiday respite or occasional respite with a host family. It is also planned that based on existing levels of service, a further 41,100 day only respite sessions will be accessed by people with a disability.

In addition, the HSE has been funded to provide 185 new emergency residential placements and new home support and in-home respite for 210 additional people who require emergency supports has been allocated. This marks a significant change in the way that respite services are delivered.

The HSE continues to work with agencies to explore various ways of responding to this need in line with the budget available.